Registering sports equipment in advance of travel

Please note that registering sports equipment in advance of travel doesn’t guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate each item on your flight(s). Please reconfirm with an airport agent at time of check-in.

Packing instructions, waivers and charges

Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.

Pick from the options below to see packing instructions, waivers, charges and additional details as they apply to the transport of specific items of sports equipment.

Archery equipment – bows and arrows

Bows and arrows are accepted as checked baggage.

Charges

If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

Bows and arrows must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Avalanche rescue equipment

Please see our Restricted and prohibited items page.

Bicycles

Bicycles are accepted on a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking. Each bicycle counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.Weight and size limits:

Maximum weight: 32kg (70lb)

Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292cm (115 in)

Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of bicycles that exceed these limits.

Waivers

No overweight or oversize charges apply to bicycles, provided they are within the maximum weight and size limits indicated above.

Charges

If your baggage count (bicycle + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply, in addition to a fixed handling charge.

Handling charge
In addition to any applicable additional checked baggage charges, bicycles are subject to a handling charge of $50.00 - 59.00* CAD/USD for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

The handling charge applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

A single fixed handling charge is waived:

When you purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.

If you are an Altitude member, provided your baggage count (bicycle + number of bags to be checked) doesn’t exceed the maximum number of items allowed by your Altitude status.

Packing instructions

The bicycle must be placed - with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed - in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping or in a bicycle suitcase (in the case of collapsible bicycles). Tires must be partially deflated.
If packaged differently, the bicycle may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

* Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (18%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.

Boating/Fishing equipment

When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:

fishing rod in rod case + tackle box

tackle bag + reels

landing net

boots

life jacket

One self-inflating life jacket per person is accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided:

it’s fitted with a maximum of two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, and

it’s accompanied by no more than two spare cylinders.

Waivers / Charges

Fishing rod in rod case:

NO oversize or additional piece charges apply if carried with tackle box.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Boogie boards, skim-, speed- and skateboards

One board or one bag containing boarding equipment counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Maximum length: 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions.

Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lb)

Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of boards that exceed the limits listed above.

Packing instructions
Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Broomball / curling equipment

One broom + one equipment bag count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Waivers / Charges

NO oversize or additional piece charge applies to broomball/curling broom if carried with equipment bag.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Firearms used for sporting activities

Firearms used for sporting activities (e.g. hunting rifles, BB guns, biathlon rifles and paintball guns) are accepted as checked baggage only. Please refer to the Firearms section of the Hunting equipment page for important information.

When packed separately, each item in this category counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Charges

All firearms are subject to a handling charge of $50 CAD/USD (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

The handling charge applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

A single fixed handling charge is waived for customers who purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the US. Additional checked baggage rules still apply.

If your baggage count (item in this category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggagecharges will apply, in addition to the fixed handling charge.

Packing instructions

Please refer to the Firearms section of the Hunting equipment page for packing instructions and other important information.

Paintball guns may contain cylinders. See the 'Compressed gas, cylinders' section of the Restricted and prohibited items page for details.

Golf Clubs

If it weighs less than 23 kg (50 lb), one (1) golf bag containing approximately 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one (1) pair of golf shoes counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Golf bags may contain more clubs and balls; however, overweight fees will apply if the weight of the bag is over 23 kg (50 lb).

Waivers / Charges

No oversize charge applies to golf bags.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

Items must be suitably packed in rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket equipment

One equipment bag + a maximum of 2 sticks taped together count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Waivers / Charges

Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket bag + equipment: No oversize charge.

Hockey/lacrosse/ringette/cricket stick: No oversize or additional piece charges if carried with equipment bag.

All other additional checked baggage rules apply.

Packing instructions

Stick(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If not packaged in such a container, sticks must be taped together.

Items not in a rigid and/or hard shell container may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Equipment bags must not contain any clothing.

Kayaking equipment

Kayaks are accepted:

On a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking.

On Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft.

On Air Canada Express Embraer E175 and E190 aircraft. Contact Air Canada Reservations for more information.

If you’re travelling with kayaking equipment, please be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for your flight.

Each kayak counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Maximum length: 300 cm (116 in)*

Maximum width: 45 cm (18 in)

Maximum height: 76 cm (29 in)

Contact Air Canada Reservations for kayaks that exceed the limits listed above.

Waivers/Charges

Even if they are checked in separately,kayak paddles and one kayak count as one piece of baggage

Oversize and additional piece charges apply to the kayak, but not to the paddles when they are checked with the kayak.

When packed separately, all additional pieces of kayaking equipment (e.g. helmet, life vest, dry top, spray skirt) count as one piece of baggage.

If your baggage count (kayaking equipment + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type additional checked baggage charges will apply. These fees will be collected at the airport.

Packing instructions

Kayaks and paddles must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If otherwise packaged, kayaking equipment may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Parachutes and parachuting equipment

Parachutes (including those equipped with automatic activation devices) are accepted as both checked and carry-on baggage –if they meet weight and size restrictions— and count as one item toward the maximum number of bags allowed.

Parachutes can’t contain gas cylinders or other prohibited items.

Charges

If your baggage count (parachute + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

All equipment must be securely packed in a parachuting gear bag or other heavy-duty sports or duffel bag.

If improperly packaged, equipment may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Racquets (badminton, squash, tennis)

One racquet carrier counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Charges

If your baggage count (racquet carrier + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

Racquets must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If packaged differently, racquets may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Scuba diving equipment

When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type: empty scuba tank, air supply regulator, pressure gauge, tank harness, face mask, pair of diving fins, snorkel, knife, spear gun, air pistol and safety vest.

Charges

If your baggage count (item in scuba diving category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

All equipment must be securely packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

If otherwise packaged, equipment may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Skates

If brought on board as carry-on baggage, skates must be carried and remain in the appropriate travel bag at all times.

Skeleton Sleds

Skeleton sleds are accepted as checked baggage.

One skeleton sled counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Maximum length: 203 cm (80 in)

Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292 cm (115 in)

Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lb)

Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of sleds that exceed the limits listed above.

Charges

If your baggage count (skeleton sled + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Ski or snowboard boot bag:

One boot bag is permitted per passenger and won’t count as a piece of checked baggage if:

it’s carried along with skis or snowboard and

it contains only boots.

A boot bag will count as a separate piece of checked baggage if:

it contains - or is designed to contain - other items, or

it’s not carried along with a snowboard or set of skis.

If brought on board as carry-on baggage, ski and snowboard boots must be carried and remain in the boot bag at all times.

Skis (including poles):

One or more sets of skis (snow or water) carried together in the same container count as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section.

Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping.

If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage.

No oversize charge applies to skis. But, any overweight charges will apply

See ski boot bag information above.

Snowboards:

One snowboard bag (with one or more snowboards) counts as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section.

Snowboards must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specifically designed for shipping.

No oversize charge applies to snowboards.

See snowboard boot bag information above.

Sports balls (inflatable) and bowling balls

Inflatable sport balls such as basketballs, soccer balls and volleyballs are accepted as checked or carry-on baggage. Bowling balls are accepted as checked baggage only.

Charges

If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

The pressure in inflatable sport balls should be reduced by 50% to avoid damage to the ball during the flight.

Sport balls that are not equipped with a deflation valve may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inability to deflate the ball.

Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis

Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and wave skis are accepted on a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking. The board and one set of paddles combined count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Maximum length: 292 cm (115 in)*

Maximum width: 60 cm (24 in)

Exception: Motorized boards are not accepted, in either checked or carry-on baggage, as they are powered by gasoline.

Waivers/Charges
If your baggage count (board in this category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply, in addition to a fixed handling charge.
Oversize or additional piece fees for paddles do not apply when paddles are checked with the board.No oversize charge applies to boards in this category, provided they don't exceed the maximum length and width stated above.

Handling charge
In addition to any applicable additional checked baggage charges, boards in this category are subject to a handling charge of $100.00 CAD/USD for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

The handling charge applies per board to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flight.

Two handling fees apply for two (2) boards packed in the same container.

A single fixed handling charge is waived:

When you purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.

If you're an Altitude member, provided your baggage count (surfboard + number of bags to be checked) doesn't exceed the maximum number of items allowed by your Altitude status.

Boards packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Boards packed in a soft-sided container. ***

Boards not packed in a container: Air Canada will provide a plastic transport bag. ***

Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards, wakeboards and waveskis are not accepted on any Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or Air Canada Express flights during additional checked baggage embargo periods.

* Maximum length is 203 cm (80 in) on Air Canada Express flights operated by these Bombardier aircraft: CRJ100/200, CRJ900, Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300, Q400.
** Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to the maximum (18%) tax which may apply, based on your itinerary.
*** Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Items not accepted as checked baggage

The following items are not accepted as checked baggage because of their overall dimensions:

Bobsleighs

Canoes

Hang gliders

Luges

Vaulting poles

Windsurfing equipment

Musical Instruments

Travelling with a musical instrument? You’ll want to find out how to best package and transport your precious cargo.

Packing Instructions

When a stringed instrument is transported by air, it may be exposed to dramatic changes in temperature and pressure, which can cause its headstocks to crack or snap off. To prevent possible damage, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the strings are loosened so that the tension is reduced.

Musical instruments should always be properly packed in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping such items.

Musical instruments as carry-on baggage

You may bring your musical instrument on board as part of your carry-on baggage provided it meets the current Air Canada carry-on size requirements* and:

fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, or

you purchase a seat to accommodate it

Purchasing a Seat for your Musical Instrument

If you wish to purchase a seat for your musical instrument, you will receive a 50% discount on any published fare (including the lowest available fare) to accommodate the instrument in the same cabin you are travelling in.

Exception: If you are seated in Business Class on a flight offering Business Class pods, your musical instrument will, for safety reasons, be placed in Economy Class.
Also for safety reasons, extra seats may be purchased for musical instruments not exceeding 162.5 cm (64 in.) in height/length or 36 kg (80 lb.) in weight. The number of musical instruments that can be accommodated on each flight is limited.

Contact us for more information.

Baggage Allowance

A musical instrument you take on board will count as part of your carry-on baggage allowance, as either a personal or standard article (depending on the size and dimensions of the instrument).

Advance Boarding

At the airport, customers travelling with a musical instrument are invited to board the plane in advance of general boarding, between zones 2 and 3 (if you qualify for priority boarding, you may board with zones 1 or 2). Please identify yourself to the gate agents immediately when pre-boarding is called after zone 2; this will help in:

Finding space on board the aircraft to store your musical instrument.

Securing your musical instrument into its seat if you purchased one for it.

If you arrive after pre-boarding, we will do our best to find space in the cabin for your instrument, but unfortunately cannot always guarantee it.

Accommodating your Musical Instrument On Board

Because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations and/or storage space available, we cannot guarantee that a musical instrument can be accommodated on board. It may need to be checked at the gate and transported as checked baggage if the airport agent or cabin crew determines that it cannot be safely stowed in the cabin. For this reason, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping such items. Musical instruments checked at the gate must also be retrieved at the gate upon arrival at your destination.

Exception: String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board - even if their dimensions slightly exceed Air Canada’scarry-on size requirements - as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at time of boarding, or you have purchased a seat to accommodate them.

Musical instruments as checked baggage

If checked in separately, a musical instrument counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

If your baggage count (musical instrument + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Hunting Equipment

If you’re planning to travel with hunting equipment, please make sure to read the information we’ve provided below.

Registering hunting equipment in advance of travel

Please note that registering hunting equipment in advance of travel doesn’t guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate each item on your flight(s). Please reconfirm with an airport agent at time of check-in.

At the airport

When travelling with hunting equipment, you’re advised to be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normally recommended check-in time for your flight.

Baggage allowance and charges

If checked in separately, each item within the hunting equipment category counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

If your baggage count (item in the hunting equipment category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed for your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

In addition, a fixed handling charge applies to antlers and horns as well as all accepted firearms. See relevant sections below for details.

Special instructions

Pick from the options below to see packing instructions, waivers, charges and additional details as they apply to the transport of specific items of hunting equipment.

Ammunition

Passengers travelling with a firearm, ammunition or cartridges must declare the items during the check-in process and fill out a declaration form.

Only shells and cartridges are accepted and must be carried in checked baggage. Gunpowder and gunpowder pellets are strictly prohibited.

Ammunition allowance is limited to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages.

See related information in the ‘Firearms' section below.

Packing instructions

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container.

Ammunition must be packed in a separate, secure and strong container made of plastic, wood or metal. The original fibreboard carton can also be used but it’s recommended that the carton be placed in a secondary package such as a re-sealable plastic container.

To avoid shock movement, the properly packaged ammunition must then be placed inside a suitcase and cushioned with clothing.

Antlers and Horns

Antlers and horns are accepted as checked baggage only. The weight limit on antlers or horns is 32 kg (70 lb).

Charges

If checked separately, antlers and horns count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type provided they don’t exceed:

32 kg (70 lb.) in weight, and/or

292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions (height + width + length)

Additional checked baggage charges apply if:

antlers or horns exceed above size and weight limits, and/or

if your baggage count (antlers or horns + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type.

Handling charge:

On top off any applicable additional checked baggage charges, antlers and horns are subject to a fixed handling charge of $150 CAD/USD (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

The handling charge applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

A single fixed handling charge is waived:

When you purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.

If you’re an Altitude member, provided your baggage count (antlers and horns + number of bags to be checked) doesn’t exceed the maximum number of items allowed by your Altitude status.

Packing instructions

The antlers or horns must be clean and carefully wrapped in absorbent material with all points covered, then suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. Smaller antlers wrapped in a larger set count as an additional item.

Archery Equipment – Bows and Arrows

Bows and arrows are accepted as checked baggage.

Charges

If your baggage count (item in this category + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply.

Packing instructions

Bows and arrows must be suitably packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.

Travel outside Canada: It’s your sole responsibility to make sure that you’re in compliance with the firearm and ammunition regulations of each country on your itinerary.

Non-compliance can result in the seizure of your firearm.

Only passengers age 18 and over may carry a firearm in checked baggage.

If you want to travel with a firearm in your checked baggage, you’re advised to be at the airport a full 30 minutes before the normal recommended check-in time for your flight.

Packing instructions

The firearm and the ammunition must not be packed in the same container. One declaration form must be completed for each container.

All firearms:

Must be unloaded:

When checking in a firearm, you must sign a declaration form attesting that the firearm is not loaded.

Must be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device mechanism (i.e. a trigger lock), but only after the check-in process has been completed;

Must be packaged and locked in a specially designed, non-transparent case that cannot be easily broken into during transport.

View related information in the Ammunition section above.

Charges

Each of the following is considered an individual item when packed separately:

One rifle case containing no more than two rifles (with or without scope) plus 5 kg (11 lb) ammunition (packaged separately), one shooting mat, noise suppressors and small rifle tools;

Two shotguns and two shotgun cases;

One pistol case containing no more than 5 pistols.

If your baggage count (one individual item in this category + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply, in addition to a fixed handling charge.

Handling charge

In addition to any applicable additional checked baggage charges, all accepted firearms are subject to a $50 CAD/USD handling charge (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.

The charge applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.

A single fixed handling charge is waived:

When you purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.

If you’re an Altitude member, provided your baggage count (firearm + number of bags to be checked) doesn’t exceed the maximum number of items allowed by your Altitude status.